Optimizing Hamstring Rehabilitation With Amino Acids

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
AgeUp to 60
SponsorUniversidad de Zaragoza

About this trial

Hamstring injuries are among the most prevalent and troublesome injuries in athletes, particularly those engaged in sports that require high-speed movements such as sprinting, kicking, and rapid changes in direction. The hamstring muscles, which include the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, are essential for powerful lower limb actions, and thus, any injury to these muscles can significantly impact an athlete's performance and recovery. These injuries often occur during eccentric muscle contractions, such as when the muscles lengthen rapidly under tension, as seen in running and sprinting. According to epidemiological studies, hamstring strains account for a substantial portion of sports-related injuries, with hamstring strains being the most commonly reported injury in disciplines such as football, soccer, rugby, and athletics. In professional football, for instance, hamstring injuries account for approximately 12% of all injuries and represent the most frequent muscle strain, underlining their significance in the context of athletic performance.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

• Male football players aged 18 to 35 years.

Active players from eight clubs in the Iraqi Football League.

MRI-confirmed partial hamstring muscle injury.

No participation in other ongoing rehabilitation programs.

Disqualifiers

• History of hamstring injury in the past six months.

Any other musculoskeletal injuries affecting lower limbs.

Contraindications for MRI scanning (e.g., metal implants, pacemakers).

Any existing neurological or metabolic conditions affecting muscle recovery.

Trial design

Design model

Sequential

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplement

    Dietary supplement

    Oral BCAA blend (leucine, isoleucine, valine), 10 g/day divided into two doses, pre- and post-training, for 6 weeks.

  • Therapeutic Exercise Program

    Behavioral

    6-week structured program including isometric, eccentric, plyometric, and sprint-specific exercises.

Treatment groups

25 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: Therapeutic Exercise + Amino Acid SupplementationExperimental treatment 2 interventions
Group B: Therapeutic Exercise OnlyActive comparator 2 interventions

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Change in Hamstring Muscle Strength

Isometric knee flexion strength measured at 15° and 90° using the ForHealth Kit to assess change from baseline.

Time frame
Baseline, Mid-Rehabilitation (Week 3), Post-Rehabilitation (Week 6)

Secondary outcomes

1

MRI Findings

MRI assessment of muscle healing, including reduction in edema and tear resolution.

Time frame
Baseline and Post-Rehabilitation (Week 6)

Other outcomes

1

Adherence to Rehabilitation

Percentage of rehabilitation sessions attended by each participant, tracked via attendance logs.

Time frame
Throughout 6-week intervention period

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

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